Baking night

Baking Night 2022

I start a few days ahead and get the dining room table covered with oilcloth.  I bring out all our cooking supplies and recipes from years past.  There are about 10 aprons I iron and display on the chairs ..for easy access to anyone  who  might need one.   The best menu is finger food.. mini croissants, cheeses, meats and fruit.  No need for dessert, but there is coffee and something cooler too. 

We have pictures from long  ago when friends would join us to bake sweet treats for Christmas

This favorite recipe is called stained glass windows

You melt chocolate and then "mix" colored marshmallows and nuts

together, roll into logs, refrigerate

When you slice them, they look like stained glass windows

they are very sweet

kids love them

Adults not so much

This is one of the favorite parts of the recipe 

This year we had some new and delightful additions.  The heart shaped are gluten free and who would guess...they were delicious.  Everyone takes home a basket of cookies... I get to keep some too

The group this year... photographer brought her little helper ...

(   notice the fun oilcloth ...tipsy angel, ..smiles.. )

Little helper brought us treats, but stayed close to her Mama in our kitchen

My little man, the only male this year, pulled out a huge musical toy to entertain Little helper.  She pushed a few buttons and smiled.     Maybe next year she will get into the action.


It was a great year

Every year seems a little different

Blessed with friends and family that work and play well together

I live an exciting life 

Thanksgiving

Something else that happens every year... 

                  ...how much we have to be thankful for.

My son in law enjoys making almost the entire meal 

Some things are pretty cute, even is they are store bought 

And yes there was pumpkin pie and pecan pie and.....

Happy 11th Birthday Tanner 

We watched a funny movie.   We had a very relaxing evening.  Always good to be together with family. And yes, he got to stay in this pj's all day.  

. but tonight I read the following and took the time to think about ...how much we have to be thankful for.

 

An old Thanksgiving piece from Parade Magazine, 2013. Why We Give Thanks

We didn’t say grace at our house when I was growing up because my parents were atheists. I knew even as a little girl that everyone at every table needed blessings and encouragement, but my family didn’t ask for it. Instead, my parents raised glasses of wine to the chef: Cheers. Dig in. But I had a terrible secret, which was that I believed in God, a divine presence who heard me when I prayed, who stayed close to me in the dark. So at six years old I began to infiltrate religious families like a spy—Mata Hari in plaid sneakers.

One of my best friends was a Catholic girl. Her boisterous family bowed its collective head and said, “Bless us, O Lord, and these thy gifts. …” I was so hungry for these words; it was like a cool breeze, a polite thank-you note to God, the silky magnetic energy of gratitude. I still love that line.

I believed that if your family said grace, it meant you were a happy family, all evidence to the contrary. But I saw at certain tables that an improvised grace could cause friction or discomfort. My friend Mark reports that at his big southern childhood Thanksgivings, someone always managed to say something that made poor Granny feel half dead. “It would be along the lines of ‘And Lord, we are just glad you have seen fit to keep Mama with us for one more year.’ We would all strain to see Granny giving him the fisheye.”

I noticed some families shortened the pro forma blessing so they could get right to the meal. If there were more males than females, it was a boy- chant, said as one word: “GodisgreatGodisgoodletusthankHimforourfoodAmen.” I also noticed that grace usually wasn’t said if the kids were eating in front of the TV, as if God refused to listen over the sound of it.

And we’ve all been held hostage by grace sayers who use the opportunity to work the room, like the Church Lady. But more often, people simply say thank you—we understand how far short we must fall, how selfish we can be, how self-righteous, what brats. And yet God has given us this marvelous meal.

It turns out that my two brothers and I all grew up to be middle-aged believers. I’ve been a member of the same Presbyterian church for 36 years. My older brother became a born-again Christian—but don’t ask him to give the blessing, as it can last forever. I adore him, but your food will grow cold. My younger brother is an unconfirmed but freelance Catholic.

So now someone at our holiday tables always ends up saying grace. I think we’re in it for the pause, the quiet thanks for love and for our blessings, before the shoveling begins. For a minute, our stations are tuned to a broader, richer radius. We’re acknowledging that this food didn’t just magically appear: Someone grew it, ground it, bought it, baked it; wow.

We say thank you for the miracle that we have stuck together all these years, in spite of it all; that we have each other’s backs, and hilarious companionship. We say thank you for the plentiful and outrageous food: Kathy’s lox, Robby’s heartbreaking gravy. We pray to be mindful of the needs of others. We savor these moments out of time, when we are conscious of love’s presence, of Someone’s great abiding generosity to our dear and motley family, these holy moments of gratitude. And that is grace

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Something to think about

Lots more to think about

Lots more to talk to the Lord about

Feeling very blessed

I live an exciting life

.

getting acquainted

 

FOL

Friends of the Library... that is where I volunteer one Tuesday a month.  

We are only open for 3 hours and since neighbors are feeling better about getting out into public places we tend to be busier.

Today was no exception.

Except, It was exceptionally crowded.   

Many extra carts filled the shop and then extended out in to the hall

So many folks came with donations

So many customers

Some very large purchases.   The most expensive book is $3.   They are current publications and they sell almost as soon as we put them on the shelves.   Hard backs $2. Most others are $1.    So, when Beth, who comes about once a month, stacked up her finds, she spent over $200.   Yep, that is a lot of books   And then a few other large sales and many small sales and yes, I did my part.   It was the biggest day ever.
$440.00       ( a good day is $100.) 

But the most interesting part of the day was getting to know my partner.  We always work as a team and I don't remember working with Lady M before.   She worked hard and smiled and was only a little distracted  ( so to speak )          However, what I think I will always remember about her is her family.  One son.  No grandchildren because "he has rats.   They are so cute and smart and they follow him around the house.  You know they are used for testing because they are very intelligent. "

Well, I learned something

and

I live an exciting life

That's my boy

 

or... 

We were already in Spokane when our son texted that he was going to come over too.  Great !

On his way,  with "a 30 minute delay" ... slow  traffic?  late start? I wondered 

Here is what happened: 

There is always traffic on Friday night and he had already driven by three stalled cars.
Here was one more, and just beyond the car,  what looked like a pile of clothing,

but wait, it is moving,  up and then down and

Damon slowed down and realized this could be someone in distress

And it was.  An elderly man was heading out for gas when he lost his balance and could not seem to get his legs to work.  Damon gave him a hand to get back on his feet and then he took the gentleman to a nearby exit and a gas station.

On their return, they found his wife and daughter in the car, waiting, now with a dead battery. The ignition was still turned on and that drained the battery.

At this point the gentleman said he would call his service company ( something like AAA)

And Damon went on his way....wondering now,  how long were his wife and family going to wait before maybe calling for help?   

Well, help was on it's way

and this Mama is feeling proud.   A good proud. Moms can be proud of good stuff that happens

I live an exciting life

  

October 31

 

It happens every year

and it is the only time I can hand out gospel messages and no one says no

So this year I packed up 140 bags.  I found a fun paper with games to play and then the message.

Along with 3 or 4 pieces of candy in a cute bag and tied with a bow

I often wear an old bridesmaid gown...yellow...like Princess Belle, but this year I wore a glow in the dark black spider shirt.  

We were watching as large groups of kids arrived ( some young, some not so young)  So hubby thought we better make up more bags.  With his help, the total became 181.   

When the this fun family came, we hit 180.

They wanted to pose for the photo because they recognized hubby,  he is a traffic patrol man in the mornings for school traffic.   They were very polite 

 

With that...our candy was gone... we turned off the lights. It was about 7:45  Still a few knocks on the door.  
Yes it was a very big night, next year I am shooting for 200 ! 

( need to check with the family two doors down, they served hot chocolate, they might have had more customers than we did...we have a long driveway ) 

a few comments:

(checking the photos from previous years posted on the screen door) 

Oh, I see my friend..oh that's me

I love seeing these pictures

What a great idea

This is the weird house 

(the door opens )

Is this the house with Christian papers?

    Yes, is that ok?   ....no response
Trick or Treat...again and again
and most of the time   Thank You !!

this will probably always be my favorite...

Yes, they won a prize that year... maybe 10 years ago.    Who would not love those boys !?!

I live an exciting life 

Breakfast

 

Probably my favorite meal of the day...

                                       Breakfast 

I know Marti, you made whatever your kids desired for breakfast every morning... not this Mom, but a very nice idea 

Back to my kitchen.

It is a little complicated, in fact, the "problem" is still not corrected

Ok, here is what happened:

Last week we got a post card telling us that the power would be shut off for four hours during the day on Friday.  They told us the precautions...unplug computer, tv and microwave. We did just that. 

We were out of town, but got the email saying
  " due to complexities, we will not be shutting the power off today"

When we got back on Sunday, our houseguest told us that the power was indeed shut off. All the clocks were blinking.  A big noise on Friday right in our yard, the property line on the south. We also noticed lots of bushes had been taken away.

He helped google for fix its... called Puget Power...they said call an electrician...Gordon came on Monday afternoon...assessed the problem and our fee... paid Gordon

Using our amazing microwave egg cooker ( with a quick call to Sharon for the recipe) and Presto.....    eggs for breakfast 

Gordon  returned on Thursday... new assessment called Puget Power...Jay came within an hour...another assessment.... power should be restored by 8:00 in the morning.

Just in case, I am ready with homemade pumpkin pie

Such a sweet gift... Hubby directs school traffic and often the families pass by and chat with him.  This family passed by on Thursday and asked Darrell if he liked pumpkin pie.

Mama said... I will bake you a pumpkin pie.....and she did.

I live an exciting life

annual

 that means, every year

And yep, it happened again this August 

Of course it started months before. We price things as soon as we decide we can part with them. So, when the time comes, the goods are ready.

So, the week of the sale begins. Sheets go up to hide the tools (and clutter) that are not for sale

This year Linda came and helped to get things going.  Not easy when you are not 6 feet tall

Then hubby gets tables from the neighbor and sets them up.

This year we have.....

just a few cookbooks I can part with

Golf balls in abundance

 A little of this a little of that

Electronic and old stuff


Garage sale day is just fun 
We seldom get together for two & 1/2 days
And we just like it
OH, and there is always the intrigue of customers

A few favorites this year:

Benjamin, lives across the street, and he  always comes over several times.  This year, he had all four wisdom teeth extracted.   He was able to swing by and find a nice cozy Stuffy ( I think it was a teddy bear)

Ofra, is another regular. But she lives in Renton.  She has lots to talk about and maybe that is why this year, she came for breakfast. Seems she had not eaten before coming and did not say no to the offer. She told my sister she had never tasted such good French toast. My sister does make very yummy" cinnamon raisin toast "   Her budget was a little smaller this year, but her interests are the same,  her family ( most in Israel) and giving tea parties at the retirement home where she works

Lady with no name, but with an agenda;  She smiled as she came down the driveway and as she began to check over the tables she said she was not familiar with  bargaining.  That however, seemed odd since she asked for a lower price on each item she wanted to purchase.  And, after we bagged up her items, she went back to a little glasses case and with a big smile, asked if she could have it free.
And that has never happened before.

Two nice young men:  they took their time, they liked Damon's shirts, they were polite and even paid a little extra.  And that has never happened before. I think they were my favorites 

I live an exciting life  

more to come

 but first...

parking and such... a great time in Ohio,  but first.

I made reservations at the airport to park.   Right at the airport it is less expensive than an Uber and my Uber friend did not get back to me so... I did it.

Wednesday morning, in plenty of time, I started down 405.   Much of the way I was saying, "I don't think I will drive myself to the airport again".    
But, hubby out of town and kids at work....

I arrive at the parking garage.   There are 5 stations to enter.  Four are green go, the 5th is " electric ticket".  Well, I have an app on my  phone, so i think that means electric ticket.

I enter the garage and with no openings on the 3 rd level I am cautious and decided to view the directions again, on my phone, with the reservations.    

OOPS.    use one of the green enter stations.  
I head down to the exit, and drive up to an exit window    A very cute little gal takes the ticket from me and tells me    I "simply"  have to leave the area and return to the airport... just head to the left and then cross over 4 lanes of traffic and return.  "You and do this".  she says.
A little nervous  ( more than a little )  I drive forward.  Thankfully there was very little traffic through those four lanes and I returned.  

I use the app and up I go.  There is no opening on the first level

Have you ever been to a parking lot ( there is one at the MOA, I saw for the first time) with lights on the ceiling between lanes.... red, spot taken,   green, an opening.   
Drove around a little and no green so I decided to go up.

Here is mistake number two.  I went down instead of up. 
I am back at the exit stations.

Not going to go through that again  ( I hope) 

  I park by the "service center"  and head toward the building. A fellow with a yellow jacket motions for me to come through the proper entry.  A very nice lady hears my story. She can tell that I am a little nervous and says "you can do this"   She tells me of a special parking area, right around the corner and I can pull into any space. 
By now I need to find a "powder room".   She motions for me to go back to the left.   Fellow in yellow jacket wants to know where are you going?   Where did you park?  You can't do that!
Nice lady explains she has given me permission to use the private restroom.
Done. 
Now fellow in yellow jacket says he will lead me to the parking spots.  Can you walk up a flight of stairs.  What? There is no elevator.  No I can't with my heavy suitcase.  Well, he says " you can do this"   ( not really, but close enough).   

A perfect pull in spot for Bella.   Fellow in yellow jacket helps pull my bags out of the car, reminds me to lock the car, and proceeds to carry my large red suitcase up two flights of stairs.

He then points me in the right direction to enter SeaTac airport terminal !
"What is your name?"   
"Frank" he says
"Thank you thank you Frank"

I head to the terminal and my trip begins.....

more to come about that, but first

My flight home landed at SeaTac at 10:45 p.m. Saturday.  I did not let myself think about that until Saturday.    I had a few ideas, but that is not a time you ask a friend, out of the blue, to come and help you.

But wait!!!  Doesn't my grand nephew Aaron work at SeaTac?   

I text his mom.
Yes, and he is there tonight until 11:30  and would be happy to come and help me.

And he did.  He and his co-worker friend Mo, came and headed to the parking garage.  At first he did not understand that I was below level one.  So we looked there first.  Then I saw the magic stairwell and he said, let's try it.   We made our way down and ... Bella was right there !!   He and Mo loaded up my bags and after hugs ( and some chocolate apples from O'Hare ) I was on my way home.

And that was that.

I do not like spending the night home alone, but I told myself.,

   If the Lord can bring to mind and provide two tall dark and handsome dudes to help me get to my car, He could also keep me safe in my own bed at home

And He did.

end of story....but my trip to Akron comes soon... 
So good, I need to give it more thought.

Also need to figure out how to bring Frank and the lovely lady a box of See's, and not get hung up in the wrong lane  ( so to speak )

Also forgot to mention that my Aaron is 6'4'  and his friend Mo is a good 6 feet, very good and maybe 200 #  

But,  "I can do this"  

I live an exciting life....no question   

baking, but much more

 Friday night I made a decision.... use those cherries Heather gave me and the recipe I found on facebook and...just do it.   So I did

Here is how it started.

Heather came over on Monday night. She has been coming every Monday night to get an easy start on her day here in Bellevue ( it's a longer story, but you get the picture)
These were tart, maybe sour cherries.  She was loving them. Eating them right out of the bowl.

I did too ( sort of .... I tried a few )

A lady named Maia from the Ukraine has been posting many things about her country, and despite all the horror, she has found positive things to write about.

Like the bucket of cherries that was given in return for some care packages to some villagers who have nothing.  That is what she said. They have nothing. It is part of their life to give.

One of Maia's friends used those cherries to made Pirozhki. 
Many readers were interested and soon Maia posted the recipe and step by step directions.

That did it. I printed all 5 pages.  I laid out all the ingredients like she did

I put on my Ukrainian apron and said

                     "I can do this"    and I did.

You make little balls and then press each one into a pocket and fill with sweetened cherries

 

Into the oven 

and

                    

They did not turn out as pretty as the picture
So I dusted them with powered sugar
and
followed the next nudge

I shared them

At some point, I googled Pirozhki, and found out it is also called Piroshky .. sometimes savory, sometimes sweet  Oh, I think I can pronounce that better.  

Lessons learned..
No matter how difficult, ugly, scary life might look (mine right now is not there, for sure) there is always something to be thankful for. 

Giving. Sharing. Gratitude. Should be a part of every life.   A part of my life.

There is a deeper meaning in all of this, just not finding the words right now...but

Maia, you have inspired and blessed many.

I live an exciting life

vacation

 

  Four days and four nights.... a vacation for sure

Hi Marti... almost everyone has been to Whistler, probably you have too, well now I can say "me too" 

First stop...Peace Arch 
The  24 hours that followed ... not peace full, but..

we did out best and the rest was great 

Number 26 our amazing accommodations
thank you Larry and Connie 
Number 1 hubby 

The highlight was spending time with friends.

One couple joined us for dinner.   The other couple spent two days and nights with us.  All so very  good !

A hint to another highlight is hanging in the background...

And in the "background" you will see another highlight....

              Food....

In the four days we stopped here 3 times...  

 Cows ice cream..all the way from Prince Edward Island. 

  There are 11 stores in Canada and one in Beijing China !  

         About 50 flavors. My favorite,  Maple nut, very nutty.

Pure Bread...Pure delight

Raclette ... a little different, but delish 

Breakfast... bacon...bountiful 

Mongolian Grill.... 

Poutine..it is Canadian.. french fries, cheese curds and gravy

My first time...will definitely try again 

Atmosphere, ah !  

Kale salad and pizza 

on a smaller scale, but very memorable

Breakfast on the deck, favorite mug ( I like to bring the family along) nose gay from our new favorite florist, Senka ( mine from home died in 24 hours )

Not to be overlooked....

2014 Olympics  

Free massage courtesy of Oakley....a big event going on....

Did you spot Darrell?    

Ok.  not Darrell, but the hat is amusing 

And if you came without your own wheels.....check this out..

 

A walk along the Village 

Not my ride, but very nice

Not my lodge, but very nice

Yes, we took the gondola ride.  Though the sky was not clear, it was a great ride. Would love to do it again.  they say, " On a clear day you can see forever"

Then back to ground level...well, 2,020 feet ...Whistler mountain is 7,000 feet

How do you get to be walking with a stranger and chatting like you had know each other for years? !

Now, if you get this far...i have a quiz.   and a prize... 

What is missing in this picture?   

( there is a wood cutter behind the greenery )

Hint:  how well do you know my hubby?

OK.   That is a taste of Whistler.   

I live an exciting life